Reds' Defensive Flubs Help Push Phils to 2-0 Lead

None of the 46,511 could have imagined Game 2 playing out the way it did. But after sloppy play, countless errors, a rally inning, and a certain lefty deemed useless, the Phillies somehow pulled out an incredible 7-4 win.

Cincinnati, known for it’s splendid defense with guys like Phillips, Votto, Bruce, and Rolen, completely unraveled in the bottom of the seventh inning. During the regular season, the Reds were tied with San Diego for the best defensive team in the NL with only 72 errors.

The start of the seventh inning was fascinating, as lefty Aroldis Chapman made his way to the mound with Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Jayson Werth up in the order. Chapman, and his 100-plus m.p.h. pitches, were render useless almost instantly as Utley was hit by a pitch on the hand. Or was he?

Utley dropped his bat as the ball sailed above catcher Ryan Hanigan’s glove and to the backstop. Afterward, he acted as if he wasn’t sure. “It was pretty close. At first I thought it was going to hit me in the head,” said the second baseman. When asked if it hit him again, he said, “I’m not sure.”

Ryan Howard then struck out on straight heat from Chapman – three straight fastballs, three straight swings and misses. Jayson Werth followed him up and strange times ensued.

Werth reached on a bang-bang play at second base as Scott Rolen attempted to nail Utley on a fielder’s choice. Utley was called safe, and replays showed it to be very, very close. More weirdness followed.

The normally sure handed Jay Bruce (just three errors in 1199 innings) lost a Jimmy Rollins liner in the lights, allowing Utley to somehow scatter home, with Werth on his heels as Brandon Phillips fumbled the relay throw. But did Utley touch third base? It certainly appeared to be yet another close play, however, the Cincinnati bench, along with the players on the field, did not realize that Utley may have whiffed rounding the base. In any case, the two runs scored on consecutive errors and just like the a 4-0 Reds lead was a 5-4 Phillies advantage.

Rollins touched home to put the Phils up two following a Raul Ibanez single and a Carlos Ruiz force out to second base.

A wild three-run inning sent the crowd into a frenzy and transformed Utley from goat to hero.

In the second inning, the normally sure-handed second baseman committed two throwing errors – one on a simple throw ranging to his left, the other on a surefire double-play ball that skipped over the outstretched arm of Ryan Howard. Nightmares of the 2009 NLCS began to play out. In the end, Utley let his bat make up for it.

The errors were costly, but the offense was able to fix the obvious shortcomings of Roy Oswalt and the defense behind him. The Phillies starter came into the game having gone 7-1 with a sub-two era since joining the team prior to the trade deadline. October baseball rendered his regular season meaningless just four pitches into the game.

Brandon Phillips blasted an 85 m.p.h slider from Oswalt into the seats in left field to lead off the game, quickly axing the thought of back-to-back no-no’s. The Other Roy would then allow single runs in the second, fourth, and fifth before finishing what was surely an evening to forget.

His first playoff start in five seasons was a bit of a dud, although he kept the Phillies close enough to strike late. All told, Oswalt went five innings, allowing four runs (three earned) with a walk and five strikeouts. Commanding his pitches was his downfall as his inability to throw strikes haunted him throughout the night.

With a 2-0 series lead now, Oswalt may get an opportunity to fix whatever went wrong on this night.

It wasn’t the prettiest sight; hell let’s just call it downright ugly – the six combined errors is an LDS record – but a win is a win. And with this victory, the Phillies have jumped into a position they’ve become used to lately – clinching position.

They’ll get their chance behind the arm of Cole Hamels on Sunday night in Cincinnati.

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62 Comments

I CAN NOT TELL YOU HOW BIG OF A THING IT IS TO BE UP 2-0,IT IS SO HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!IF HAMELS DOES NOT DO IT(I THINK HE WILL)THEN THEY HAVE TO BEAT ROY!!!!!NEEDLESS TO SAY I FEEL SOOOOO MUCH BETTER NOW!!!!!

Absolutely incredibly ugly game. On Wednesday, both team played great and the Phillies won by 4. Tonight, both teams played horribly and the Phillies won by 3. The Phillies should be closing out this series pretty soon.

If we advance I do NOT feel comfortable with facing the Giants in the LCS. Was really hoping the Padres and Braves could knock them out all together. Wishful thinking. Their starters have pretty decent numbers against our lineup, but our starters, terrible:

@Jay, exactly. The problem with HFA in the LCS is that we have to play them 3 times in SF in the middle of the series. Just seems we do poorly in SF and I don’t like having 3 games in a row in SF. In general I hate the 7 game format for the HFA team. Those 3 middle games give more of an advantage to the team without HFA. Especially if the other team splits the first 2. I would much rather see a format similar to: Home, Home, Away, Away, Home, Away, Home. Or Home, Home, Home, Away, Away, Away, Home

it was funny how the reds were celebrating so heavy in the dugout. giants/braves were similar tonight. basically, every other team except the phils have their nerves jumping off. which is a good thing.

that game was bizarre. reminded me of some of that weird stuff that happened in the tampa bay series, the rain, and all that vibe killer schiz.

I don’t get why people are so afraid of the giants. They are a good team, you have to be to make the playoffs, but in the last week they made it a lot harder on themselves. San diego came up to San fran after losing three of four to the cubs at home and it took the giants to the brink of elimination to get it done. Now they blow a 3 run lead late to Atlanta. When they came to Philly in late August with a playoff type atmospher. The Phills took two of three. They are not that good.

I don’t understand fear either hot dog but I do understand concern. Hey, Lincecum was incredible the other night. This team has too many weapons though and as far as I am concerned, the WS is ours.
Another concern is Roy2. Will he settle down now? Was that the dud? We know there is always a dud game in a series, was that it?

Game by game – Cholly’s got them under control, and we’ve not done that great in Game 2 during the playoffs. SF isn’t flawless, as the Braves barely made it in themselves. Remember, they coughed up the NLE to us as well as they tried to give the WC up to either SF or SD.

San Fran scares the crap out of me too; however, I was jumping up and down when Ankiel hit that bomb last night. Bruce Boche completely screwed up that game for San Fran. Why the hell would you bring your closer in in the 8th inning with no outs. While San Fran’s pitching scares me, that offense is feable at best and Brian Wilson is the definition of all bark and no bite. That guy has no off-speed pitches. I do not understand how major league hitters do not crush him.

While San Fran scares me a bit, I have supreme confidence that the Phillies would take them down even if it meant 7 games. However, I do not think it is out of the realm of possibility that the Braves win the series. With Hudson going Sunday they have a good shot to be up 2-1 in the series.

I agree, Adam. That was a terrible decision at the time (bringing Wilson in for 6 outs)… Isn’t SF supposed to have one of the best bullpens in all baseball… then USE it… don’t rely on your closer to do what everyone else supposed to. Plus, if your closer blows it in the 8th, who are you gonna bring in next inning. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

Well that was certainly an interesting game. The only real downside is…I wonder if Chooch can walk today?

Also……….Doc said he shook Chooch off ONCE on Wednesday. Oswalt spent half his time on the mound shaking him off. HMMmmmmmm

Lastly, at times like this I like to visit the newspaper websites of the cities we’re playing. Just to get the local flavor. The following was on the website of the Philadelpbhia Enquirer. The heading was commercials Reds players would like to forget.

You will NOT believe this.

Oh, and I was worried that Cole would feel to pressure to be lights out Sunday if Oswalt pitched a 3 hit shut out. Not worried about it so much today.

Wow, what a game to be at. While I would have like to be at the no-hitter, that was a heck of game. The Phillies continue to do what they do best… keep on fightin’. That’s all they know how to do when it looks bad.

To the Reds’ credit, they had some good pitching early on. One thing though they have no right to talk about is the HBP of Utley. A lot of people may talk about Utley getting hit or not getting hit, but the fact is that the Reds deserved that after that shameful display with both Chooch and Francisco.

Utley had a huge night after committing those two bad errors. That’s what you gotta do. Also, it always seems darkest before dawn with Rollins. Hopefully he has a huge postseason going forward. The fact though that he can’t run 100% is a problem, but so long as he can keep his defense up, that’s what we really need. It’s good too that Manuel is mixing up the lineup.

This team really turned a corner this season to prove they are the best team in baseball. And you know what they say about being better to be lucky than good? Thankfully, we appear to be both lucky AND good. That is a powerful combination.

Lincecum is after Roy halladay the most dominant player left in the playoffs. He goes game 1 that nullifies big Roy in a major way.
That doesnt scare you to nullify yuor best player? I guess for some of you we should say concern because you cant grasp scare.

You dont get that you an over confident imbecile

They are by far the biggest threat to the Phillies ( opinion on Texas pending)

If the phillies play the Braves and lose 1 game I will be mortified. The Braves bring nothing vs the Phillies. The Yankees are smoke and mirrors and need to thank god they drew the Twins. SF can beat the Phillies. I dont think they will. But their long shot odds are the best odds of the ones left.
You guys get that? They scare the competant sports fan more than the other teams. But we arent scared of them as in they will beat the phillies. The Braves are 1-100 to beat the phils the Yankees are 1-5 the giants are 1-4. Or to simplify to percentages Braves have 1% chance Yankees 20% giants 25%

I’m baffled by people who are scared of teams/Lincecum. Seriously, that attitude went out of style around 2007.

Let me remind you that we have the best team in baseball! The only thing people should be scared of is the Phils not producing runs. As long as the Phils play up to their ability levels, I don’t care who we’re facing.

I am baffled by people who dont understand that Lincecum is vs Halladay is a worse match up than Hudson vs Halladay.
But then if the fans werent dumb 80% of the time I wouldnt come here.
It entertains me.

You can fight Mike Tyson or Richard Simmons. You have more respect for Mike Tyson ( did i dumb it down enough there not using scared?)

But hey lets reincarnate the 27 yankees so you guys can really puff your chests out on line.
Just win.

Think it mattered that the Phils didnt draw Lincecum in game 1 of the NLDS?
There is a big chance he shuts out the Phillies there.
And the game goes to extras and Roy loses the no no. And a hit in the 10th or 11th inning means no no hitter.

Think it matters to the AL winner who they play?
Believe me whoever it is would prefer to not face the phillies.

If you are the yankees are you more scared of the Phillies or the Braves?

And this isnt a yankees blog. The Reds almost won last night and that changes the whole complextion of this series. The phillies are winners and I full well expect them to win the world series. Id bet the house on it. But have repect. And have major respect for teams that are more of a threat than others.

Neither SanFran or ATL are on Philly’s level. After watching them play each other, that should be pretty clear. However, we don’t matchup with SF like we do ATL. I want Atlanta for a myriad of reasons, 1 being we pound them. Another being I hate the their fanbase. Another being, we don’t matchup with the Giants nearly as well.

I will say after spending some time browsing thru reds blogs their fans are much classier then braves fans,by far!!!They are not blaming the umps or anything,i have to say i have gained some respect for their fans who i most say i knew little about!

Andrew you sort of sound like the guy that was at the Bar last night after the game. Yes you want to beat the best to be the best. However Im the kind of guy that likes to the easy road. Why chance it I would rather face the Braves. However this means the Braves will be easy. They have excellent starters and an excellent Bullpen. As much as everyone ranks on the Braves they will be an excellent team for many years. They are to me the Yankees of the NL but will less of a Budget. They also have a knack for getting their hands on excellent young arms where as the Phils are going the Yanks ways and buying them. The Giants and Braves are pretty well match similar team on paper anyways. These series will be close whomever we face though. I do believe we can beat either Giants/Braves. Consider that in these last 2 games vs the Reds our offense hasnt really done much. Howard is doing his Strikeout thing again. It almost seems like there some Black Magic Dark Side Force that is intent on seen Ruiz hurt. Or is just me?

All I’m saying is that you’re getting scared about another baseball team, and that’s absurd when we have the best team in baseball with playoff experience. Objectively. I understand matchups and threats and all that, but have some confidence in the Phils. As long as our offense gets going, we’ll be fine.

As long as Votto is invisible, we don’t need anything out of Howard. If they keep pace, we sweep. Votto needed to step up, he hasn’t. We have a better cast around our 1 bagger. When you look at our lineup, we have 8 guys who can beat you. All we need is 3 of them to be hot, or just have some timely hits. It’s a real luxury.

“rendered useless” and “rendered meaningless”?
How about “erased an impressive 1-2 count with a (phantom) HBP” or “rudely welcomed Oswalt to post-season baseball”? I still care that Chapman fires the ball 100+ MPH and he certainly isn’t useless by any stretch of the word. Also, I still value Oswalt’s regular season performance as impressive and look for him to bounce back from his rough outing.

@ Julie
Here I am going to post some quotes about the DH and why it sucks so you can learn about the game. If you stick around here for a year maybe next year during the playoffs you will be able to post here without sounding like an uneducated arrogant Yankees fan.
After the phillies sweep the Reds (and we have 6 days to kill) I will gladly give more lessons about things like why defense wins championships. How you don’t want a catcher to hit down in the line up. Just basic things to help you. I like helping people.
I will start off simple though. The DH is insufferable and watching an American league game is like watching paint dry. Take notes. Quiz coming next week.

“Baseball is simply a better game without the DH. ” – Bob Costas

“I don’t think our fans are the least bit interested in seeing the DH be part of the National League landscape.” – Andy MacPhail

“I screwed up the game of baseball. Baseball needed a jolt of offense for attendance, so they decided on the DH. I never thought it would last this long.” – Ron Blomberg [the first DH ever]

“When teams decide to get rid of unwanted players, they are designated for assignment. Now it’s time to designate the DH. Assign it to baseball’s scrap heap – a bad idea whose time is over.” – Hal Bock

Mike Piazza sucked and shouldn’t be voted into the hall of fame. And I am throwing out that he roided altogether (although the voters should consider it). He doesn’t deserve to make it in general.

Johnny bench won 2 MVPs. Ivan Rod won countless gold gloves. Ruiz deserves a GG this year.
Piazza never once won a single GG or an MVP. If he was even a bad catcher with his offensive numbers he would have won multiple MVPs. But he was a horrendous catcher. One of the worst ever.
He was put there because he was literally such a mongoloid he couldn’t even play first base (Adam Dunn can).
There is a reason Ruiz may win his second world series this year and Piazza never won any (Mccann will never win one either). Piazza will go to the hall of fame and Ruiz will never be considered. 99% of people don’t understand the sport. But you are lucky enough to be learning today.
Tomorrows lesson is why Beltran and Reyes are not good players and about how team chemistry and locker room presence can be more important than talent.
Then next week why Werth leaving this off season could be a good thing. Followed by a course study on why you guys under rate Utley and J Roll.

I would have to say that I like to play the best teams, if you are the best team you should want to play the best to be called World Champions.
I think the concern should be the offense, they did hit the ball a liittle better but at people last night. My concern would be it the phillies manage to sweep the reds it will be another week before they play again, and this offense seems to take its time before hitting the ball when they have time off.

Andrew, calm down – no need to shoo people off just because they don’t see things exactly your way but it does sound that Julie believes pretty much the same result. You believe the Phils are going to win, she is (and me too) certain that the Phils will win that series, be it 4 or 7 games and I have my tiks for game 7 ready. I just don’t believe this team will lose any of these series. Games sure but the WS is ours, again.
Julie is a legitimate fan enough to come here –

One of my biggest concerns would be that welt on Chooch’s leg – I heard he’s OK but that looked pretty damn nasty.
I’m sure everyone has noticed the lack of lumber from the good guys?
See the red flying today people, goodnight.

I can see the point of view that we’ve taking all the hard roads this season and while it would be nice to pummel the teams that shouldn’t even be here, I don’t agree with the point of view that San Francisco is one of those teams.

Lincecum, while not quite on the same level as Halladay, can nullify his efforts if he comes out and is the Lincecum he’s been all year. Any game against the Giants with Halladay and Lincecum duking it out will be a classic pitchers’ duel, a very low-scoring game. I’ll give the edge to the Phillies because even though Lincecum is one of very few pitchers who can touch Halladay, the potential is there, but Roy Halladay is Roy Halladay. We’d also have home field advantage for game one if we play the Giants.

The only team I see us sweeping in the championship round is Atlanta and even that is being a little optimistic.

Not shooing anyone. All welcomed. But as someone who has been here for years and whose knowledge and analysis has been spot on I don’t need half wits pontificating. Especially about my comments. If you are too stupid to understand the game I will call you out on it.
Was a day off though and killing time anyway.

Lincecum is the only player in the Majors who could derail the Phillies.
The Yankeess, Rangers and Rays offer very minimal in that regard.
Remember in July I was letting you guys know the Braves 7 game lead was so irrelevant that the last 3 games wouldn’t matter. No one believed me there either.
But it doesn’t matter who you play. Just stupid.

I dont call out 95% of the stupid things. But it was an off day so I did or once. No biggie.
The arrogance of the stupid fans really irritates me too. Know the game if you are going to be arrogant.

I didn’t shoo Don. I just explained to him that Beltran wasn’t as good as Victorino. That Beltran is actually terrible (has been since day 1 leaving the Astros). Which he couldn’t believe. I explained to him that when he returned even though at the time the Mets were up by a game on the Phillies that their season was completely over. I try to explain things to people. But I cant blame Don. The media literally had 100 articles about how the return of Beltran was making the Mets the favorites. I just laughed. Their manager came out publicly to announce that he was their CF and would bat 4th. He is now fired and so is the GM. Every one of those journalists should be fired too. Because they continue the lies that permeate the world. Citizens bank park plays even.If it didn’t Ryan Howard wouldn’t have more career road homers than home (why has that never been mentioned in any broadcast). It played exactly in the middle last year. But if you listen to the announcers including game 1 of the NLDS its the biggest bandbox going. Its simply not true.
But that’s what they do. Build certain players who don’t deserve it and continue myths like CBP is a hitters paradise. End of lessons for today although got 8 hours till game time. Go phils.

Long posts that explain your points arent rants.
Wish there were more.
I dont get mad at people. I enjoy them all. Even trolls like bravoturd I just try to have fun with or ignore. Thats what these things are for.
Also if you cant take the heat get out of the kitchen.

Werth is going to be over paid by someone. It wont be the phillies.
He is older it it opens up a spot for a younger player.
While in a perfect world you could sign Werth for 3 years at 45 you would do it. it wont happen.
Let me point out the guy led the NL in doubles and had 27 homers batting 5th for what is considered the most potent line up in the NL yet he only had 85 RBI. The struggles with RISP are well documented.
I was just answering bacardis question here. I didn’t mean to get into this alot during the playoffs because I am 100% hoping Werth wins MVP of 3 series (another team will have to over pay eve more). But when he signs elsewhere for more than 3 years 45 million its a good thing.